The Smart Break

A smart break means a different structure of learning and taking responsibility for your training. As you know, there is no substitute for owning your work. That means leading yourself to where you want to go, asking questions to find out what you want to know, and doing your research to discover what you want to know. While on a well-deserved break from your training routine, take advantage of the down time to renew your passion and love of performing by exploring new things.

While the overwhelming majority of performing arts work must be done in a studio and with a teacher, there are still many opportunities for you to grow when away from the studio, such as on a break. Breaks from the work are a necessity because it allows the previous work to settle in, to assimilate, and to be digested properly. I am a firm believer that students need breaks from the rigorous training of becoming a performing artist.

Now that you are on your break, it is an excellent time to read in-depth. Read plays, lots of plays! Read biographies, autobiographies and books that include your favorite performers, choreographers, singers, etc. Read research materials regarding your interests and learn to stay up to date with what the academics are finding in their studies. Watch videos of great performances, watch TV specials regarding performing arts works. Watch movies with great acting. Go to museums, look at art with wonder and open hearts. Sit and be alone. Meditate. Drift away in your thoughts. Cook, and garden- both give great peace of mind for assimilation to take place. And it’s always good in our busy lives filled with screens to simply spend time with friends and family and step away from screens altogether.

In short, use your break wisely. Get to know yourself better. Observe your thoughts and change the ones you want to change. Observe your reactions and change the ones you want to change. Observe your feelings and change the ones you want to change. Fall in love everyday with your deepest passion to perform. Enjoy your time off from training and performing and give yourself a fresh perspective so when you return you are ready!